New Austrian coalition gov't sworn in amid protests

In an address to mark the occasion, Van der Bellen said the coalition negotiations had been conducted with mutual respect.

He noted the importance of basic and human rights for the government going forward, along with consideration for minorities and those less well-off in society, as well as a clear recognition of Austria as part of the European Union.

Many protest groups had assembled at the Heldenplatz public space just in front of the Hofburg. Police estimated the number at around 6,000.

They denounced the right-wing nature of the coalition, waving placards with slogans such as "no Nazi pigs", and "death to fascism".

Van der Bellen later acknowledged differing points of view on the new government, ranging from positive or indifferent, to negative. In a democracy these views are permitted to exist, he said.